Peaceful Farm Life

Chapter 987: Chapter 988: Dare Not Look Back

An Jing again smiled and said, ”In a moment, your Uncle Lan Qing will take you into the palace. Once you’re inside, don’t just focus on playing with your Imperial Grandfather and Brother Muchen, remember to listen to them as well. You must be good and obedient. As soon as your father and mother return, we will come to the palace to get you.”

”Mhm~”

”You must be good and obedient.” An Jing emphasized again, not reassured.

”Mhm~” The four little ones still obediently and adorably nodded their heads, thinking they were just going in to play and were now very happy.

An Jing watched the four children’s cute little ways, and if she weren’t desperately holding back, she surely would have cried.

This departure wasn’t just a living separation; it could very well be a final farewell.

”Come, let Mother hug you one more time, each of you give me a hug.”

”Mhm~”

The four children lined up, one by one, happily and tightly embraced by An Jing.

After being hugged by An Jing, without the need for Xiao Changyi to say anything, the four little ones moved from An Jing’s arms to Xiao Changyi’s, letting him hug each of them as well.

Xiao Changyi’s face seemed expressionless, but with every child he hugged, his cold eyes grew a shade darker.

After An Jing and Xiao Changyi had each hugged the four children, they both gathered the four little ones into their arms for another embrace, the six of them huddled together once again.

The four little ones, encircled tightly by An Jing and Xiao Changyi, were all grinning and saying, ”Daddy, Mommy, you must come back soon.”

”Mhm, mhm.” An Jing nodded repeatedly, forcing herself to smile.

Even though her heart was already a river of tears.

Time was of the essence, and reason told Xiao Changyi that they had to leave; thus, he finally spoke up, ”We must go.”

”Mhm.” An Jing smiled in response, though her voice choked up a bit. Fortunately, it was subtle enough that the four little ones didn’t notice.

But Xiao Changyi could hear it, and he felt a mix of pain for his wife and reluctance to leave the four children. At this moment, his heart was also very heavy.

An Jing released the children and stood up, her gaze sweeping over the small faces of their four children, ”Jing’er, Star, Qinger, Yun Er, Daddy and Mommy are leaving now.”

”Mhm~”

An Jing’s eyes instantly reddened, and fearful the little ones would see, she quickly turned around and walked swiftly towards the exit, still instructing them, ”You must be obedient and listen to your Imperial Grandfather, okay.”

”Mhm~”

Xiao Changyi also took one last glance at their children and then turned to leave with An Jing.

The two of them tried hard not to look back.

Their hearts ached too much to leave; they feared that if they turned back, they wouldn’t be able to go.

Just as the two were about to exit the main courtyard, the four little ones cheerfully waved their small hands behind them, ”Daddy, Mommy, come back soon!”

”Yes, Daddy/Mommy will come back soon.” An Jing and Xiao Changyi quickly replied loudly.

As they answered, An Jing and Xiao Changyi still dared not turn back.

As they answered, An Jing finally lost control, and tears streamed down her face; though Xiao Changyi didn’t cry, his thin lips were pressed tightly together in a straight line.

Once they were out of the courtyard and no longer in the children’s sight, Xiao Changyi wiped An Jing’s tears while commanding Meng Lanqing, ”Once we’re gone, you take them into the palace.”

”Yes!” Meng Lanqing promptly answered.

”It’s alright, my husband. I’m fine.” An Jing, mustering all the strength she could against the pain of parting from their four little ones, showed Xiao Changyi a big smile. ”Let’s hurry to Nan Shen.”

”Mhm.”